The ability to test for a broader range of opioids will advance transportation safety significantly and provide another deterrence to opioid abuse, which will better protect the public and ultimately save lives, according to Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

Federal law requires states with rail transit systems to establish an FTA-certified SSO Program by April 15, 2019 or risk having federal funds to public transportation agencies throughout that state withheld until certification is achieved.

The latest data from the FRA shows some rail systems are still lagging, with the technology operational along 27% of freight-rail route miles and 23% of passenger-rail route miles, as of the first three months of this year.